“Waqf Amendment Act 2025 Targets One Religion: Omar Abdullah”
Omar Abdullah Slams Waqf Amendment Act 2025, Says It Targets One Religion
New Delhi, April 14: In a sharp critique of the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025, Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday alleged that the legislation is discriminatory and targets a specific religious community.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Abdullah confirmed that his party has moved the Supreme Court against the Act, questioning its constitutional validity and asserting that it undermines India’s secular values.
“My party has already filed a petition in front of the Supreme Court. Now leave it to the judges. We are among several organisations that have approached the court. Let them take a look at it,” he said.
Abdullah accused the legislation of selectively targeting one religion, stating, “We believe that this piece of legislation has targeted one particular religion. We are supposed to be a secular state. All religions are supposed to be treated equally.”
He emphasized the demand for equal treatment under the law and reiterated confidence in the judiciary to examine the matter fairly. “We believe we have a right to be treated equally. We want the Supreme Court to adjudicate on this. Now we will wait,” he added.
While the central government has defended the amendment, stating that it is intended to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of Waqf Boards, opposition parties and various civil society groups have raised concerns over what they see as potential misuse and religious targeting.
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 has sparked widespread debate, with critics alleging it could interfere with religious freedom and the autonomous functioning of Waqf institutions.
